In 2003 Mark embarked on a journey to go out on his own & start a business. His business is screen printing and Boy! does he know his business! His passion for the craft is estimable.

It’s something he’s been working on ever since he left high school in the early 90s. He’s worked for companies such as Billabong & Signature Prints and currently not only does he screen print & design for but also runs Publisher Textiles & Papers out of their Leichhardt (Sydney) warehouse & showroom.

And if you can’t tell, I’m a little bit in awe! As a screen printer, textile designer & new business owner myself the longevity of Marks’ hand screen printing operation is inspiring. It’s a testament not only to his business savvy but also says something about the man himself.

So I rocked up for the interview earlier this week with my 4 year old in tow … feeling a little nervous (as most mothers would be mixing work with a toddler). Turns out I needn’t have worried. This is a family orientated operation with his partner Stephanie & their 11 month old son Eric helping out in the showroom. Kids are welcome in the showroom & the whole place is chilled & down-to-earth. So why wouldn’t anyone want to do business with him?

My interview with Mark was more of a conversation … one that I could have indulged in for a few more hours … talking technical, talking about the print industry, design, kids & everything in between. However there’s something to be said for restraint. Here it is in compact …

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Why is hand screen printing in demand these days?

Screen printing is an artisan skill and those hand skills are sort after because of the potential for innovation. Machine printed textiles although they are efficient are limited in what the can do.

How did you come to textiles and printing?

At school I was really into photography but after leaving school I got a job at Signature Prints & it all started from there.

What were you doing directly before you Publisher Textiles?

I was working at Signature Prints as a screen printer again after a stint at Billabong in QLD.

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What inspires your aesthetic?

Everyday life. I’ve worked with photos of building facades, the idea that babies swaddling looks like rope, even my nana’s old wallpaper from the 60s as inspiration for my designs.

Who inspires you? Why?

Escher! He was a nut bag of the repeat! William Morris, FlorenceBroadhurst ... not only because of her work but also her business sense. Alexander McQueen for his innovative way of using sculptural elements & methods of applying paint to his garments.Also the indigenous mobs up north such as Modern Murri www.modernmurri.com & Gaawaa Miyay www.gaawaamiyay.com

What is your proudest career achievement?

We’re still here! After all this time we’re still here.

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What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever had to do? In life, work, anywhere?

People often think that to be brave is to do as much as possible, to go for it and keep on top of everything but for me, especially in this last week, I’ve been challenged by doing nothing. Slowing things down & letting go a little has been extremely hard but the bravest thing I’ve had to do.

What’s your expert opinion on decorating with prints? What 1 tip would you give readers?

Don’t be scared of prints! Try new things! Do what you’re comfortable with & keep on changing. Change is good!

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A big thank you to Mark & Steph for giving their time for this interview ... it was a big & challenging week for their family, so their generosity is very much appreciated!

Publisher Textiles & Papers is based in Leichhardt, Sydney providing a hand screen printing service, hand printed textiles by the meter, hand printed wallpaper, clothing & furnishings. Contact them via the links below or head over to their very cool showroom.

Hello & Welcome!

I'm so pleased to have the had the opportunity to chat with Cath Derksema, the designer, printer, crafter behind the fabulous Australian textile label Prints Charming.

It was not until I interviewed Cath last week that I realized I'd been admiring her work throughout my burgeoning career in textile design since the mid 90's. I idolized the designs of Hot Tuna (the iconic surf wear brand), John Kaldor (I so wanted to work there!) & her own interiors label Art Park (I still have a blue green spot quilt cover set from back in the 90's) This is .... to name a just a few of the labels she's designed for.

Cath is so openly warm & welcoming, no wonder I love her work! If you haven't seen Prints Charming, I can tell you that it's a feast for the happy eye! Bright, fun & so obviously full of love for the textile medium. I'll leave the rest for Cath to explain in the interview below ... at her gorgeous studio space ...

Q. I love how you use the words “crafted” & “crafting” on your website. Why is crafting & handmade important these days?

It is important as it is a beautiful antithesisto the craziness of the technology driven world we now live in. Our DNA is rife with making ... there's no hiding from it!

Q. What inspires the Prints Charming aesthetic?

Q. What were you doing directly before Prints Charming?

I was winding down my design business, and having two babies...I thought initially that I could do it all ... however, the demands of motherhood quickly over rode deadlines and forward thinking..

Q. What was the motivation for starting Prints Charming?

A strong desire to make fabric was the initial motivation ... however I also realized that I needed to be back with creative like minded souls, having spent a good 5yrs in the domestic baby realm.

Q. What is your proudest career achievement?

I don't ever think like that ... I love what I do, and simply feel very privileged to be a part of this awesome community ... hang on ... come to think of it ... Kirsten and I did a lot of screaming and jumping up and down, when we learned of our contract with 'FreeSpirit' fabrics in NY! It was 2007 and crafting fabrics were taking a turn for the better, as we were under the same banner as Amy Butler, Denyse Schmidt, Heather Bailey and Heather Ross.

Q. Who inspires you? Why?

My Mother is a big inspiration as she was a big maker crafter in the '70s (and beyond) and we always had a sewing machine on the kitchen table.

Q. What’s the bravest thing you’ve done during your career as a textile designer?

I guess leaving a secure job with John Kaldor and starting my own thing was in hind sight pretty brave, although at the time it seemed so obvious to me.

Q. What advice would you give someone thinking about starting their own creative business?

Iwould say, be prepared to live, breathe, eat and sleep it! Have relentless reserves of energy and never be afraid. Don't hold back, don't procrastinate ... just GO FOR IT ..... all of this will come naturally if you are really meant to do it!

Seriously inspiring stuff! A big thank you to Cath for her time, natural warmth & openness!

The Prints Charming range can be found at Spotlight & via her website. Cath regularly runs Shibori indigo dying & embroidery workshops at her beautiful warehouse space in Annandale in Sydney's inner west. She can be contacted via the website www.printscharming.com.au